Martin Kuruc from Tesco Becomes the New President of the Business Leaders Forum Association
Diversity and inclusion, sustainability, and environmental protection are key topics for the new president of an association committed to responsible business practices. Martin Kuruc, CEO of Tesco Stores SR, will hold this honorary position within the Business Leaders Forum for the next two years.
For Martin Kuruc, the Business Leaders Forum (BLF), which has been operating and connecting companies under the Pontis Foundation for over 20 years, represents an excellent platform for sharing experiences and mutual inspiration.
“At Tesco, we believe that even small acts of help are significant. When these small efforts multiply, they can bring about tremendous change. I am convinced that the BLF association is such a multiplier of positive change,” he said.
A major focus for M. Kuruc is the support of diversity and inclusion. Since 2021, Tesco has been the first company in Slovakia to publish a comprehensive report on diversity and inclusion, monitor gender pay gaps, and implement measures to reduce them. M. Kuruc hopes to inspire other companies to actively build inclusive workplaces. “Slovak society is highly polarized, which is a reality that becomes even more evident in today’s world of digital communication and social media. This makes it even more important for the business sector to lead by example and demonstrate the positive impact of respecting differences. I am convinced that diversity, equality, and inclusion foster empathy, fairness, and open communication in society,” he said.
Environmental protection is another priority for the new president. “Climate change is one of the greatest challenges we currently face and must collectively address. The role of companies in this effort is crucial,” said M. Kuruc, emphasizing the need to share examples of best practices and innovative approaches in this area.
Martin Kuruc takes over the honorary role of Business Leaders Forum association president, elected for a two-year term by member companies, from Barbora Záhradníková, General Manager of Adient.
“We thank Barbora Záhradníková for her active advocacy for responsible business practices. We are glad that also through her work, the Business Leaders Forum has grown and expanded its activities,” added Ivana Vagaská, Executive Director of the association.
Martin Kuruc has been with Tesco since 2000, starting as a food manager at a hypermarket in Petržalka. Over his 24-year tenure, he has held various leadership roles, gaining extensive management experience and contributing to key projects, such as the transformation of the Central European business, where Slovakia plays a critical role. Since 2021, he has served as the CEO of Tesco Slovakia, and participates in the Group Business Leaders association.
